“So, what’s this deal then?”
“I’ve been thinking all night about your proposal and my future. First, I thought it’s way too soon and I can’t say yes to someone I’ve just met. Then, I worried about losing the independence I’ve just regained. What people think is another consideration. It was all jumbled in my head until I realized I was overthinking it. For the first time, I have a choice. This is my decision.” She thumps a hand over her chest. “And that’s the very definition of freedom and independence. Who cares what anyone thinks? I’m following my heart and trusting it won’t lead me astray. My heart is saying yes, telling me I belong with you and you’ll make me very happy, but I can’t walk into this marriage blind like I did the last one.”
“You need a safety net.”
Her head bobs. “I need to know if it doesn’t work out I’m not trapped. I need that for my sanity, Fiero.”
“That makes sense. What are you proposing?”
Steely determination is etched all over her face. “If I say yes, if I marry you, you agree to a contract that allows me to divorce you in one year if it’s not working out. You’ll let me go and give me five million dollars so I can get settled someplace else.”
I understand why she’s asking for this. This is a way to gain back her freedom if she’s made a mistake. I have no issue agreeing to it because it won’t ever happen. We were made for one another, and we’re going to be happy. I’ll die on that hill. “Make it fifty million,” I say, lifting her off me and scrambling across the bed.
“What?”
“I agree but the settlement is fifty million.” I hop off the bed. “If we don’t work out, I want you to be comfortable for the rest of your life, baby,” I say before racing into the bathroom. Yanking my pants off the floor, I drive my hand into the pocket and extract the box before rushing back into the bedroom.
“You only get crazier, but I agree.”
“Great.” I jump onto the bed, and she bounces all over the place. “I’ll have my sister draw up the paperwork.” Forcing myself to calm down, I take her hand in mine, aware I’m grinning like an idiot and completely uncaring. This is the happiest day of my life. “Now, let’s do this again.”
31
VALENTINA
“Congratulations!” Tullia squeals, almost bowling me over as she throws herself at me in the corridor of the Manhattan City Clerk’s Office—also known as Manhattan City Hall—after we exit the room where I just got married for the second time. It’s only been two weeks since Dom died, but the death certificate has been issued, and Fiero knew a judge who pulled some strings to make this happen fast. “I’m so happy to have another sister. Welcome to the family, Valentina.”
“Thank you for the warm welcome.” I hug her back, smiling over her shoulder at Sofia and Zumo who are standing beside Fiero. I only met Tullia a few minutes before the civil ceremony got underway, and I instantly loved her. She’s the opposite of her ice-queen sister. While Sofia has been pleasant and outwardly friendly since our first disastrous encounter, and she drew up the deal paperwork efficiently, ensuring everything was signed before today, I can’t forget how we met. Hopefully, in time, we can both put it behind us and grow close. I won’t be holding my breath though.
“Hands off my bride.” Fiero nudges his youngest sister out of the way so he can pull me into his arms.
“My heart is bursting for you, Ro. This is the best day ever.” Tullia beams at her eldest brother. “I can’t wait until we can tell everyone.”
“You can’t breathe a word, Lia,” Fiero warns her for the umpteenth time. “It’s dangerous for me and Valentina if this news gets out before we’re ready to reveal it.” He shoots me an apologetic look, and I stretch up and kiss him. I know he feels bad we’ve had to do this in secret, without telling my family, and that he can’t give me a big wedding, but I don’t mind.
I love him.
I really, really love him.
The last couple of weeks have firmly cemented that.
And today is for us.
When this mess is sorted in Florida, we’ll get to tell everyone, and then we can set a date for the big wedding we’re planning. Fiero wants to marry in St. Patrick’s Cathedral and then hire this specific wedding venue in Long Island for the reception. It’s been fun these past couple of weeks discussing it and jotting down ideas. He’s even found a wedding planner he wants to hire to help me with the planning.
“And you can’t tell Mom and Dad,” Zumo reminds her, dragging me back into the conversation.
We needed witnesses today, and it was only natural for Fiero to ask his siblings. I asked him if he wanted to invite his mother, but he was resolute he didn’t. It seems his relationship with his mother isn’t much better than the one he has with his father. He resents her for always having her husband’s back and not standing up for him and her other kids enough.
Neither of us are on good terms with our parents. We’re quite a pair.
I feel bad for Fiero that he couldn’t ask Massimo and Catarina, but he’s trying to protect Massimo by keeping him out of this while he works to fix everything in Miami. He’s returning on Tuesday to meet with the cartel, and I’m worried sick.
“I understand, and I already gave Fiero my word. I won’t say anything to the rents.” Tullia’s smile turns a little pouty. “I hate you all don’t trust me. I’m not a little kid anymore. I can be trusted with confidential stuff.”
“It’s not about trust, squirt.” Fiero tucks Tullia under his other arm. “I do trust you.”
“You’re too excitable,” Sofia interjects.
